How can I close an estate bank account and obtain the required closing statement in Louisiana (LA)?
Closing an Estate Bank Account and Getting the Required Closing Statement — Louisiana Short answer: In Louisiana you close an estate bank account by acting as the person authorized by the succession process (the succession representative, executor, or administrator), presenting the bank with the documents the bank requires (death certificate, court-issued proof of authority or […]
Read article →What documents are required to apply for probate appointment and oath in Louisiana (LA)?
Detailed Answer — Documents needed to apply for probate appointment and take the oath in Louisiana Short answer: To open a probate (succession) in Louisiana and apply for appointment (as executor, testamentary executor, or administrator) and to take the required oath, you will generally file a petition with the parish district court where the decedent […]
Read article →What steps can heirs take to resolve an elective-share dispute through mediation? (LA)
How heirs can resolve an elective-share (forced-share) dispute through mediation in Louisiana Disclaimer: This article explains general principles and practical steps only. It is not legal advice. Consult a Louisiana attorney about your specific situation. Detailed answer — overview and Louisiana context Louisiana does not use the term “elective share” the same way many common-law […]
Read article →How can a personal representative confirm that a probate proceeding has concluded and a trust has been properly funded? (LA)
FAQ: How can a personal representative confirm that a probate (succession) proceeding has concluded and that a trust has been properly funded in Louisiana? Short answer: In Louisiana a personal representative (often called an executor or administrator in other states) confirms a succession is concluded by obtaining the court’s final succession judgment (often called a […]
Read article →Which financial powers can be granted through a power of attorney during incarceration? (LA)
FAQ: Financial Powers You Can Grant by Power of Attorney While Incarcerated in Louisiana Short answer: In Louisiana you can grant an agent (attorney‑in‑fact) a broad or limited range of financial powers while you are incarcerated, including banking, bill paying, property management, business operations, tax matters and benefit administration. Some high‑risk acts (like selling certain […]
Read article →What formal requirements ensure a power of attorney executed in prison is legally valid? (LA)
Detailed answer — How to make a power of attorney executed in prison legally valid under Louisiana law This answer explains the common formal requirements and practical steps you should satisfy to increase the chance that a power of attorney (POA) signed by an incarcerated person in Louisiana will be accepted by banks, agencies, and […]
Read article →How to submit an affidavit accounting for personal property in a small estate case — LA
Detailed Answer Short summary: In Louisiana, an affidavit used in a small succession is a written sworn statement that lets a person who is entitled to a decedent’s movable property identify and collect that property without opening a full succession (court administration) when the estate is small and the assets are primarily movables. Whether you […]
Read article →What documentation is needed to prove ownership when filing a surplus funds claim in LA?
Detailed Answer When a judicial sale (foreclosure or other court-ordered sale) produces more money than is needed to pay creditors and costs, the extra money is called "surplus funds." In Louisiana, surplus funds are held by the sheriff, the court clerk, or another court-appointed custodian until a lawful owner or claimant proves a right to […]
Read article →What documentation and appraisal process are needed to prove my car’s diminished value? (LA)
How to document and appraise a vehicle’s loss in market value after an accident — Louisiana guidance Short overview Diminished value means the difference between what your vehicle was worth immediately before a crash and what it is worth after repairs. In Louisiana this type of loss is generally treated as property damage. To prove […]
Read article →Can I become the personal representative of my sister's estate? (LA)
Short answer Possibly. Whether you can become the personal representative of your sister’s estate under Louisiana law depends on two main things: (1) whether your sister left a valid will that names an executor (often called a testamentary executor), and (2) who the court determines is entitled or appropriate to serve if there is no […]
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